Latest revision as of 13:56, December 28, 2012

After the repose of Metr. Michael of Kiev in 1145, the Grand Prince Isiaiaslav moved to have the schemamonk Clement (Kliment) consecrated to the Kievan see without the blessing of the Patriarch of Constantinople. At a council of bishops, Abp. Nifont of Novgorod voiced his disapproval of this action, advising the council that it was contrary to the tradition of the Russian Church as the Church had received the Orthodox faith from Constantinople. The consecration of Clement took place regardless of Abp. Nifont’s objection.

When he had learned of this action the Patriarch of Constantinople sent Metr. Constantine to Kiev to investigate the situation. Constantine took cause to depose Clement and assumed the see in Kiev himself. He there upon exiled all the priests that Clement had ordained. This created a dispute between supporters of Clement and Constantine. At the request of the princes, the Patriarch sent Theodore to Kiev, who then removed both Clement and Constantine from office.

In his will that was read after his repose in 1159, Constantine wrote that he was not to be buried but be thrown to the dogs to eaten as he saw himself guilty of sowing discord in the Church. His survivors were thrown into confusion, but daring not to follow his instructions, they took his body and threw it outside. There his body laid for three days while terrible weather came to Kiev. It thundered, lightening flashed, and the earth trembled. Seeing this, the Prince of Kiev directed that Constantine's body be taken and buried in the church in which Prince Igor had been laid, upon which the world in Kiev returned to its natural course.